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April in the Gallery

Please join us

Ripple Effect Arts Festival

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce

Wednesday, April 8th

5:00 - 7:00 PM

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A celebration of the vibrant arts community of Santa Cruz County! Enjoy light refreshments, connect with fellow community members, and meet regional artists showcasing their creative talents. Live music by local treasures Patti Maxine and Drew Janecki performed against the backdrop of two stunning art exhibitions at M.K. Contemporary Art gallery.

The event is free, but please register so that we can get an idea for refreshments.

The First Friday of April (April 3rd) marked the debut of two exciting exhibitions presented side by side in the gallery! The exhibitions will be on view through May 31, 2026.

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“The Anatomy of Wonder: Photo Sculptures by Michael Garlington” invites visitors into the imaginative world of the renowned Burning Man artist, whose work blends photography with sculptural installation. Visitors enter the gallery through his striking photographic “temple,” stepping into a surreal landscape of layered imagery, symbolism, and wonder.

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Please join us for the Artist Reception on Saturday, April 11th from 4-6PM.

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On April 18th from 4-6PM we will host a special artist talk and portrait shoot with Michael. Details coming soon!

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In parallel, “Rochambeau” is a dynamic exhibition bringing together photography, painting, ceramics, and kinetic sculpture by eight extraordinary artists –

 

Laura Engdahl, Sara Friedlander, Frans Lanting, Mattie Leeds, Joel Leivick, Cheryl Moreno, Moto Ohtake, and Anne Sconberg.

 

Inspired by the spirit of the game - the works play off of each other, with ideas moving across mediums and styles.​

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Presented in partnership with the Center for Photographic Art and PhotoCarmel, the exhibitions arrive just ahead of the Ripple Effect Arts Festival (April 16–26), celebrating the interconnected energy of artists and communities throughout Santa Cruz County and the Central Coast. 

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This month we are gear up for a celebration of Santa Cruz County's creative community during arts and culture month in California!

The Ripple Effect Arts Festival,

April 16 - 26, 2026!

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LEARN MORE ABOUT THE RIPPLE EFFECT ARTS FESTIVAL!​

 

Please take a look at this special collaboration between the gallery, Gayle's Bakery and Rosticceria in Capitola and our neighbors, Chocolate Restaurant here in downtown, Santa Cruz!

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Tuesday, April 21, 6:30 PM 

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Three - Course Dinner & Show:

Main Course & Salad by Chocolate Restaurant

Bread & Dessert by Gayle's Bakery

Music & Lyrics by Joe Ortiz

Direction by Greg Fritsch

Starring Lori Rivera

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Ticktes: $125 • Gold Circle $145​

No-Host Wine & Liquor Bar

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR EMAIL LIST FOR UPDATES, INSPIRATION & INSIGHTS!

Thank You!

Link to and follow our instagram and facebook feeds for the latest gallery art and events

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Visit Us in Downtown Santa Cruz, CA • 703 Front Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060  

© 2026 by m.k. contemporary art / curated by the sea llc • link to our accessibility statement

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